Naturret

Naturret is a term used in several European languages to refer to natural law or natural rights—the idea that certain moral or legal claims arise from human nature or the structure of the world rather than from legislation. In philosophy, naturret describes principles considered universal and pre-social, such as the rights to life, liberty, and property as articulated by early modern thinkers. The term also appears in Scandinavian languages as naturrätt or naturrett, reflecting similar notions of inherent rights discovered by reason.

In contemporary usage, naturret is sometimes used to discuss the rights of nature—a branch of environmental law that assigns legal standing to ecosystems or non-human entities. Proponents argue that recognizing nature's rights helps address ecological degradation by enabling legal action on behalf of rivers, forests, or species. Critics contend that the concept is vague, difficult to implement, and can conflict with established rights and democratic processes.

Historically, naturret has influenced political philosophy and legal theory, contributing to social contract arguments and constitutional design. In modern jurisdictions, aspects of natural-law thinking coexist with positive law and human-rights norms, yielding diverse legal instruments and ethical debates. Related concepts include natural law, natural rights, and the rights of nature.